Podcasts about Nicias

What happens when military might meets diplomatic cunning? In the fragile years following the Peace of Nicias, a dangerous dance unfolds across Greece as former enemies circle each other warily, neither willing to strike first yet both preparing for inevitable conflict.Alcibiades emerges as Athens' bold strategist, orchestrating a brilliant campaign that uses military presence as leverage without actually breaking the peace. With just a small force, he marches confidently through Spartan territory, cutting supply lines and isolating allies in a masterclass of intimidation without battle. His gambit creates a web of alliances that threatens to strangle Sparta's influence across the Peloponnese.Meanwhile, King Aegis of Sparta finds himself trapped between military necessity and political reality. When his massive army finally surrounds the Argives in what should be a decisive victory, he makes the shocking decision to negotiate a truce with just two Argive generals—no armies or governments consulted. This fateful choice nearly costs him everything, as enraged Spartans plot to destroy his home and impose crippling fines, while one Argive negotiator barely escapes being stoned to death by his own people.The true power of religion in warfare becomes starkly apparent as both sides manipulate sacred festivals and divine omens to justify strategic decisions. The Argives creatively redefine their calendar to avoid religious restrictions, while convenient "unfavorable omens" provide perfect cover for Spartan withdrawals when circumstances turn unfavorable.This episode reveals how the machinery of war often runs on factors far beyond battlefield courage—personality conflicts, political ambitions, and the complex dance between military leaders and the governments they serve. As the peace crumbles beneath the weight of unresolved grievances, we witness the seeds being planted for one of the most consequential battles of the entire Peloponnesian War.Ready to discover how four men stopped an army of thousands? Listen now and join us as we unravel the fascinating diplomatic maneuvers that would ultimately change the course of Greek history. Support the show

The fragile Peace of Nicias shatters as competing interests and broken promises drive Athens and Sparta back toward conflict. At the heart of this diplomatic unraveling stands Alcibiades, a charismatic young general whose ambition would reshape Greek politics and alliances.When Corinth, feeling betrayed by peace terms that threatened their colonial claims, encouraged Argos to form a rival power bloc, the seeds of renewed warfare were planted. Sparta's subsequent alliance with Boeotia directly violated their peace agreement with Athens, while the contentious destruction of Panactum's fortifications by Boeotian forces created a perfect opportunity for anti-peace factions in Athens to gain traction.Alcibiades emerges as the perfect character for this moment of political intrigue. Wealthy, handsome, well-connected to Athens' most prestigious families, and raised in the household of Pericles himself, he possessed all the qualities needed for Athenian leadership. His masterful deception of Spartan delegates—convincing them to deny their negotiating authority before the Athenian assembly, then exposing this "lie" to undermine both Sparta's credibility and his rival Nicias—demonstrates the cunning that would make him one of history's most fascinating figures.The resulting alliance between Athens and the Peloponnesian democracies of Argos, Elis, and Mantinea represented a dramatic shift in the Greek power balance. Sparta's humiliation continued with their exclusion from religious ceremonies at the 420 BCE Olympics, creating a perception of weakness that emboldened their enemies throughout Greece.What makes this period so compelling is watching how individual ambition intersects with international relations. City-states maneuvered to protect their interests while ambitious leaders like Alcibiades exploited these tensions to advance their personal agendas. The stage was now set for the Battle of Mantinea, the largest land confrontation of the war thus far, where Sparta would attempt to reassert its dominance on the Peloponnese.Have you considered how peace agreements can sometimes create more problems than they solve? Join us as we explore one of history's most consequential diplomatic failures and the ambitious individuals who shaped its outcome. Support the show

L'Athènes du V° siècle avant notre ère regorge d'arts. Certains se peaufinent, d'autres se créent. Dans ce numéro, je vous propose une foule d'anecdotes sur les artistes du siècle d'or de la cité attique, et sur leurs créations.Sources :Apollodore : Bibliothèque d'Apollodore (Épitomé).Aristophane : L'Assemblée des Femmes, les Acharniens.Aristote : Poétique, La Constitution d'Athènes.Corneille : Le Cid.Eschyle : Les Perses.Hérodote : Histoire (Livre 6).Horace : l'Art poétique.Pausanias : Description de la Grèce (Livre 1).Pline l'Ancien : Histoire naturelle (Livre 35).Plutarque : Vie d'Alcibiade, Vie de Périclès, Vie de Solon, Vie de Nicias, Vie de Lysandre, Vie de Kimon, Vie de Thémistocle, Les Athéniens se sont-ils plus illustrés par les lettres que par les armes ?, Propos de table, De l'amour des richesses.Thucydide : Guerre du Péloponnèse (Livres 4 et 6).Vitruve : De Architectura (Livres 1, 4 et 5).insta : atlas.anecdotes

Have you ever wondered how ancient empires managed the delicate dance of diplomacy and warfare? In this gripping episode, we unravel the complex strategies and political chess moves of the Peloponnesian War, spotlighting the pivotal period following 424 BC. Witness the dramatic rise and fall of Athens and Sparta as we dissect significant events like the Spartan defeats at Pylos and Sphacteria and Athens' bold military ventures. We also examine how setbacks at Megara and Delium fueled Sparta's resolve, leading to urgent peace negotiations. With a special focus on the cunning Spartan general Brasidas and his diplomatic ingenuity in Thrace, we unpack how his actions led to the revolt of key cities against Athens, culminating in the battle at Amphipolis and the fragile Peace of Nicias in 421 BC.But the story doesn't end with the signing of a treaty. Journey through the tangled web of alliances and political intrigue as cities like Corinth and Elis contemplate breaking free from Spartan dominance by joining the Argive League. We explore the strategic calculations and shifting allegiances that marked this era, including the influence of differing governmental systems on these decisions. As tensions rise, experience the secret negotiations and alliance formations that unfolded between Athens and Sparta, highlighting the undercurrents of distrust and preparation for renewed hostilities. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the fragile power dynamics and the precarious balance of peace during one of history's most tumultuous times. Support the show

Welcome to another episode of Casting Through Ancient Greece! In this episode, we delve into one of the most pivotal yet precarious moments of the Peloponnesian War: the Peace of Nicias.After a decade of bitter conflict between Athens and Sparta, the year 421 BCE brought a glimmer of hope for peace. Named after the Athenian general and statesman who negotiated it, the Peace of Nicias was a formal attempt to halt hostilities. But was it truly a step toward reconciliation or merely a pause before the inevitable resumption of war?Join us as we explore:The events leading up to the peace agreement, including the devastating losses and shifting alliances that made both sides desperate for a truce.The terms of the treaty, and how it sought to restore balance between Athens and Sparta.The challenges and controversies that arose immediately after its ratification.Why the Peace of Nicias ultimately failed, setting the stage for the even bloodier conflicts to come in the Peloponnesian War.Through this episode, we'll examine how this fleeting moment of diplomacy offers a fascinating lens into the political, military, and social dynamics of ancient Greece.Tune in to uncover the fragile nature of peace in a world constantly at war and the lessons it still holds for us today.Don't forget to subscribe to Casting Through Ancient Greece for more in-depth explorations of Greek history and culture. If you enjoy the show, please leave a review and share it with others who love diving into the ancient world!Follow us on social media:TwitterInstagramWebsiteLet's journey through ancient Greece together! Support the show

“SOCRATES: Now, Nicias, could you explain it to us again from the beginning? You know we started our discussion by considering bravery as a part of goodness?NICIAS: Yes, I do.SOCRATES: So you did agree with our answer that it's a part, and hence that there are other parts, which are known collectively as goodness, didn't you?NICIAS: Yes, of course.SOCRATES: Now, you mean the same by these parts as I do, don't you? For me, besides bravery, the list includes self-control, fairness and other similar qualities. Isn't it the same for you?NICIAS: Certainly. …SOCRATES: [But] bravery can't only be knowledge of what is fearful and what is encouraging, because like other kinds of knowledge it understands not only the future stages of good and evil, but also the present and the past.NICIAS: Apparently so.SOCRATES: So the answer you gave us, Nicias, covers only about a third part of bravery, whereas we asked what bravery is as a whole. And so now, it seems, on your own admission, bravery is knowledge not only of what is fearful and what is encouraging, but according to the way you describe it now, of pretty well the whole subject of good and evil, regardless of time. Does that reflect your change of mind, or would you put it differently, Nicias?NICIAS: No, That's how it seems to me, Socrates. …SOCRATES: So, What you're now describing, Nicias, won't be a part of goodness, but goodness in its entirety.NICIAS: So it seems.SOCRATES: But we did say that bravery is only one of the parts of goodness.NICIAS: Yes, we did.SOCRATES: But what you're now describing appears not to be so.NICIAS: No, it seems not.SOCRATES: So we've not discovered what bravery is, Nicias.NICIAS: No, apparently not.”(Laches, 198a-199e) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thephilosophygarden.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I revisit Thucydides as discussed by David Bolotin in the classic History of Political Philosophy edited by Leo Strauss and Joseph Cropsey. I focus on Alcibiades, Nicias, and the Sicilian Expedition.

SOCRATES: Now, Nicias, tell me – or rather, tell us, since Laches and I are sharing the discussion between us – your argument is that bravery is knowledge of what is fearful and what is encouraging, isn't it?NICIAS: Yes.SOCRATES: And this isn't something everyone is aware of … unless they supplement their own knowledge with this particular kind. Isn't that what you said?NICIAS: Yes, it was.SOCRATES: So, it's actually not something any pig would know, as the saying goes, and a pig couldn't be brave.NICIAS: No, I think not. …SOCRATES: I think that if one puts forward this theory, one is forced to deny that any animal whatsoever is brave. …NICIAS: ‘Brave' is not a word I use to describe animals, or anything else that's not afraid of danger because of its own lack of understanding; I prefer ‘fearless' and ‘foolish.' Or do you suppose I call every little child brave because it doesn't understand, and so is not afraid of anything? No, I think to be unafraid and to be brave are two quite different things. Bravery and foresight are, in my opinion, things a very small number of people possess; whereas being reckless, daring, fearless and blind to consequences is the norm for the vast majority of men, women, children and animals. So you see, what you and most people call brave, I call reckless: brave actions are those coupled with wisdom, as I said.(Laches, 196d-197e)The Philosophy Garden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Philosophy Garden, Stoicism and beyond at thephilosophygarden.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered how a single year could turn the tide in a protracted war? This episode takes you deep into the seventh year of the Peloponnesian War, uncovering the critical strategies and events that reshaped the conflict.As we shift our focus to the campaigning season of 425 BC, the narrative gets even more gripping. Discover how Athens leveraged treachery and strategic brilliance to capture Anactunorium and gain control over the Peloponnesian fleet. The collapse of Spartan military prestige and the waning threats from Syracuse and Persia allowed Athens to strengthen its empire and secure its dominance by the end of the year. These developments set the stage for Athens to reassess its imperial strategies and bolster its defences, reshaping the balance of power in the war.In our final segment, we dissect the aggressive Athenian campaigns that followed their successes at Sphacteria. The capture of Cythera and Thyrea, along with the invasions of Spartan territories, reveal a shift in Athenian military policy influenced by internal rivalries between figures like Cleon and Nicias. We delve into the political ramifications of these actions and how they exacerbated Spartan vulnerabilities. Join us as we unravel the dramatic shift in the course of the Peloponnesian War, showcasing Athens' ascension and Sparta's stagnation during these critical years. Support the Show.

The Athenian expedition to Sicily was an unexpected chapter in the Peloponnesian War, characterized by strategic missteps and unforeseen outcomes. As the Athenian fleet set out to aid their allies in Sicily against Syracuse, they found themselves caught in the whirlwind of war that stretched across the Greek world. From the Athenian prisoners on Sphacteria to the civil unrest in Corcyra, each event cascaded into the next, shaping the trajectory of the war. The delayed arrival of Athenian reinforcements to Sicily allowed Syracuse to regroup and counter-attack, leading to a stalemate that ultimately required Athenian withdrawal—a testament to the volatility of war and the importance of timely strategic decisions.Amidst this complex backdrop, the Battle of Pylos stands as a testament to Athenian ingenuity and Spartan bravery. Demosthenes, the Athenian commander, overcame limited resources to construct strategic defenses at Pylos, setting the stage for a confrontation that would defy the expectations of both sides. The Spartans launched a ferocious assault, only to be repelled by the clever positioning and steadfastness of the Athenian defenders. The subsequent arrival of the Athenian fleet tipped the scales, demonstrating the razor-thin margin between victory and defeat in ancient warfare.The political theatre that followed was equally charged. The peace negotiations between Athens and Sparta revealed the delicate balance of power and the grave consequences of political decisions. Sparta's willingness to negotiate due to the potential loss of their elite hoplites showcased the high stakes of the conflict. Yet, the breakdown of talks plunged the Greek world back into the throes of war, underscoring the fragility of peace in a time of unyielding ambition and honour.The Siege of Sphacteria, a decisive engagement in the war, illustrated the strategic acumen of the Athenians under the joint command of Cleon and Demosthenes. Employing a mix of hoplites, archers, and light troops, the Athenians outmanoeuvred the Spartans, ultimately forcing a surrender that marked a watershed moment in Greek warfare. This victory, however, was not without its political machinations. The intense debates within the Athenian Assembly, the advocacy of Cleon, and the opposition from Nicias revealed the intricate relationship between military action and political manoeuvring.The surrender of the Spartan forces on Sphacteria was a moment that altered the course of the Peloponnesian War. The image of Spartan warriors, famed for their indomitable spirit, surrendering to their Athenian captors was a stark contrast to their ancestors' last stand at Thermopylae. This historic event not only shifted the balance of power but also sent ripples through the societal structures of Sparta, igniting fears of helot uprisings and prompting desperate, yet futile, diplomatic efforts to reclaim Pylos and negotiate peace.In sum, the Peloponnesian War's defining moments—from the Athenian naval might to the Spartan surrender on land—paint a vivid portrait of ancient warfare, political dynamics, and the enduring human quest for dominance. It's a narrative that continues to resonate through the ages, reminding us of the timeless lessons of history and the ever-present echoes of the past in our modern world. Support the Show.

Content warning for discussion of genocide. Hey, Hi, Hello, this is the History Wizard and welcome back for Day 7 of Have a Day w/ The History Wizard. Thank you to everyone who tuned in for Day 6 last week, and especially thank you to everyone who rated and/or reviewed the podcast. I hope you all learned something last week and I hope the same for this week. Speaking of weeks, we've finally hit our first week! Get it? This is episode 7, the episodes are called Days. There are 7 Days in a Week… I'm funny dammit! I've got something special for you starting at the end of Week 1. It's a new segment I'm going to call the Alchemist's Table. Every Day I'm going to be sharing with you a cocktail recipe that I have invented. If you enjoy a nice cocktail and you aren't driving to work feel free to make yourself one before sitting down for the rest of the episode. For Day 7 we're going to be enjoying the first cocktail I ever created. It's called A Taste of Spring. It starts with 2 oz of Gin, I prefer gunpowder gin, but a London Dry will work just fine. Followed by 1 oz of elderflower liquor, 1 oz of lavender syrup, stir for about 30 seconds in ice before straining into a rocks glass over ice. And that, my friends, is a Taste of Spring. Enjoy. Anyway, it's time to head back to the West, and for this episode we have to travel back in time to the 5th century BCE for the Siege of Melos during the Peloponnesian War. IN a modern historical context we look at the Peloponnesian War as being between Sparta and Athens, and while this isn't technically wrong, it's also not as right as it could be. The Peloponnesian War was fought between the Delian League, which was a confederacy of various Greek city-states with Atens in supreme control. The Delian League was created as a defensive alliance against the Persian Empire following the Second Persian Invasion of Greece (this is the invasion that included the famed Battle of Thermopylae). And the Peloponnesian League which was less a league and more an ancient world version of the Warsaw Pact, with Sparta (then called Lacadeamon) at the head with its various allied city states. See, around 550 BCE SParta got tired of having to conquer everyone and instead offered to NOT conquer them if they joined the League. The Delian League got its name from the island of Delos where they would meet and where their treasury was held before being moved to Athens in 454 BCE. The Peloponnesian League got IT'S name from the peninsula at the southern tip of Greece, which is known as the Peloponnese Peninsula. The Peloponnesian League is something of a misnomer as its membership was not limited to that area of Greece. But, I ramble, and so let us return to the Peloponnesian War. Why did Sparta and Athens, erstwhile allies against Xerxes I and the Persian Empire decide to go to war with each other? The period between the Second Persian Invasion of Greece and the Peloponnesian War is sometimes known as the Pentecontaetia, a term which means “a period of 50 years” which refers to the 48 year period between 479 and 431 BCE. The Pentecontaetia saw the rise of Athens as one of the most prominent Greek City States, it saw the rise of Athenian democracy, and it saw the rise of tensions between Sparta and Athens. You can look at this period as somewhat similar to the rising tensions between Rome and Carthage. Sparta HAD been the most powerful Greek city-state, and now suddenly they had a rival and didn't like that. Sparta was the Sasuke to Athens Naruto, the Vegeta to Athen's Goku. Following the flight of the Persian armies from Greece Athens began to rebuild the great walls around their city that had been lost to the Persian armies. Sparta, upon learning about this construction, asked them not to do that. But Athens rebuffed them, not wanting to put Athens effectively under the control of Sparta's massive army. Another way we can view Athens and Sparta through the lens of Carthage and Rome is that Athens was vastly superior at sea, and Sparta was vastly superior on land, just as Carthage and Rome were, respectively. I'm taking bets now on who is going to win this war, assuming you don't already know. These tensions, which were further exacerbated by a helot revolt within Sparta would explode, though not terribly violently, during a 15 year conflict known as the First Peloponnesian War. This first war would end with the signing of the Thirty Years Peace treaty. This treaty, which would only last for 15 years, would solidify the Athenian and Spartan Empires and would cement Athens as a true powerhouse in the Aegean Sea. Conflict between Athens and Corinth, a member of the Peloponnesian League, is what ultimately led to war. Athens and Corinth effectively fought a brief proxy war over control of the Corinthian colony of Potidea. Corinth, outraged that Athens had encouraged one of its colonies to rebel against their authority, urged Sparta to call a conclave to try and arbitrate peace as was stipulated under the Thirty Years Peace.  The Spartan King Archidamus II urged the Spartan magistrates (known as ephor) and the citizen assembly known as the ecclesia not to go to war, but in the end the assembly determined that Athens, in urging Potidea to rebel against one of their allies and then aiding them in the fight for the city had broken the Peace and war was officially declared in 431 BCE. The Second Peloponnesian War had begun. The Second Peloponnesian War, often known as just the Peloponnesian War, can be broken up into three distinct segments. The Archidamian War, The Sicilian Expedition, and the Decelean War. The first 10 years of the war are sometimes also called the Ten Years War. Sparta was, almost entirely, a land based empire. The Spartan Army was the most feared and one of the best trained armies of the ancient world. Their hoplites and their phalanxes were nearly invincible. Meanwhile Athens had the same prestige on the waves. The Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE, though discussed far less frequently than the concurrent Battle of Thermopylae, is no less impressive a feat of military genius. So the Spartan strategy during the beginning of the war was to march its armies to the land around the city state of Athens and seize them. This caused many Athenian farmers to abandon their farms and retreat behind Athens famous Long Walls. The Long Walls were fortified walls that connected Athens' main city to its ports at Piraeus and Phaleron. So despite the loss of farmland around Athens itself, this siege did basically nothing. Sparta was also only able to keep troops on the field for a few weeks at a time, as the hoplites were still needed to harvest their own fields and troops were always needed to keep the helots in line. The longest siege of the Ten Years War was only 40 days. Meanwhile Athens stayed in the Aegean Sea with their fleet, avoiding any open warfare with the Spartans who were unable to breach their walls anyway. The Athenians had great successes in their early naval battles, including the Battle of Naucaptus where 20 Athenian ships went up  against 77 Peloponnesian ships and emerged victorious. Of course, all of Athen's momentum would come to a screeching and screaming halt when th plague hit in 430 BCE. The Plague of Athens was an interesting facet of the war. While some Athenians believed that the Spartans were the cause of the plague, evidenced they said by the fact that the Spartans were unaffected by it, but Thucydides, author the the famous History of the Peloponnesian War was in the city when the plague hit. He even contracted it and survived his illness. Thucydides says that the plague came from Ethiopia as it appeared to have entered Athens along the Long Wall from the port of Piraeus. There's not much in the way of evidence regarding WHAT exactly the plague was, although Thucydides listed out a large number of symptoms that victims experienced including: Fever, Redness and inflammation in the eyes, Sore throats leading to bleeding and bad breath, Sneezing, Loss of voice, Coughing, Vomiting, Pustules and ulcers on the body, Extreme thirst, Insomnia, Diarrhea, Convulsions, and Gangrene. Modern epidemiologists and paleopathologists believe, based on extensive examination of all the available evidence that the plague was likely either smallpox or typhus, although it's unlikely that we'll ever know for certain. The plague had a massive impact on the course of the war. For one, it killed Pericles, the Athenian statesman and strategos of the Athenian military. It also killed over 30,000 people, made foreign mercenaries unwilling to aid Athens, no matter how much they were offered as they did not want to risk getting sick, the plague even halted any Spartan military action in Attica until it was finished as the Spartans also feared the disease. Even with the loss of Pericles Athens continued to have success on sea as well as on land through the efforts of their commanders Demosthenes and Cleon. They started to put cracks in the Spartan armies image of invincibility until the Spartans captured Amphipolis, a silver mine that supplied much of the Athenian war chest in 424 BCE. In 422 a great battle was fought at Amphipolis which saw both Cleon, and the Spartan general Brasidas killed. The loss of these military commanders would see Athens and Sparta sit down to try and negotiate peace.  The Peace of Nicias would be a failure from the very start. Despite it, nominally, declaring peace between Sparta and Athens, despite PoWs being exchanged and control over territories ceded back to those who originally owned them, the Peace of Nicias was something of a joke. Sparta and Athens entered something of a Cold War. They didn't fight against each other specifically, but Athens spent a LOT of time trying to stir up helot revolts and encourage Spartan allies to revolt against them in order to gain greater autonomy under Athenian democracy.  Something that is interesting to note, is that despite the single largest land battle of the Peloponnesian War taking place in 418 BCE, the Peace wasn't formally abandoned, and war declared again between Athens and Sparta until 214 BCE. The Battle of Mantinea was fought between Sparta and some of its Arcadian allies on one side, and the combined might of Argos, Athens, Mantinea and various Arcadian allies of Argos. The battle, which involved nearly 20,000 troops combined, ended with a Spartan victory and saw a reversal of previous trends. After the Spartan loss at the Battle of Pylos in 425 BCE many began to think of the Spartans as weak and cowardly, but Mantinea reversed that thinking very quickly. The Siege of Melos, the true subject of this episode, also took place during the Peace of Nicias. Athenian aggression against Melos began about 10 years before the Siege. Melos was a small island about 68 miles off the Eastern coast of Greece. Small islands, due to their reliance on navies, were generally allies of Athens who had uncontested control of the seas. Melos though, decided to remain neutral. They were ethnically Dorian, same as the Spartans (the Athenians were ethnically Ionian). In 425 Athens demanded that Melos pay them a 15 talents (about 390 kgs) of silver. Melos refused. They were determined to remain neutral (although there is pretty good evidence that they donated 20 minas (about 12.5 kgs) of silver to the Spartan war effort. In 216 BCE Athens once again went to Melos and demanded that Melos join the Delian League and pay tribute. Melos again refused. Thucydides wrote a dramatization of conversation between Athenian embassies and the leaders of Melos in his Histories (Book 5, Chapters 84–116). The Melian Dialogue is one of the earliest events I learned about during undergrad when I took a class on the History of Just War. I need to go off on a slight tangent here. When I took this class there was this one guy, whose name I never learned. He was jacked as hell and always showed up to class double fisting iced coffees from Starbucks. Now this class was built around a questionL “Is there such a thing as a Just War?”, but apparently this dude never read the syllabus because about 3 weeks into class he asks “When are we gonna get to the battles?” See, he thought it was History of Just War, just meaning only. He thought it was a military history class, not a class on moral philosophy seen through the context of war. I'm pretty sure he got an A though… Anyway, back to Melos. It's unlikely that the conversation Thucydides wrote out is how it played out in real life, though given the Athenian love of oration and speeches, he's probably not TOO far off the mark. I'm going to read you a part of the Melian Dialogue: Athenians. For ourselves, we shall not trouble you with specious pretences- either of how we have a right to our empire because we overthrew the Mede, or are now attacking you because of wrong that you have done us- and make a long speech which would not be believed; and in return we hope that you, instead of thinking to influence us by saying that you did not join the Lacedaemonians, although their colonists, or that you have done us no wrong, will aim at what is feasible, holding in view the real sentiments of us both; since you know as well as we do that right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must. Melians. As we think, at any rate, it is expedient- we speak as we are obliged, since you enjoin us to let right alone and talk only of interest- that you should not destroy what is our common protection, the privilege of being allowed in danger to invoke what is fair and right, and even to profit by arguments not strictly valid if they can be got to pass current. And you are as much interested in this as any, as your fall would be a signal for the heaviest vengeance and an example for the world to meditate upon. Athenians. The end of our empire, if end it should, does not frighten us: a rival empire like Lacedaemon, even if Lacedaemon was our real antagonist, is not so terrible to the vanquished as subjects who by themselves attack and overpower their rulers. This, however, is a risk that we are content to take. We will now proceed to show you that we are come here in the interest of our empire, and that we shall say what we are now going to say, for the preservation of your country; as we would fain exercise that empire over you without trouble, and see you preserved for the good of us both. Melians. And how, pray, could it turn out as good for us to serve as for you to rule? Athenians. Because you would have the advantage of submitting before suffering the worst, and we should gain by not destroying you. Melians. So that you would not consent to our being neutral, friends instead of enemies, but allies of neither side. Athenians. No; for your hostility cannot so much hurt us as your friendship will be an argument to our subjects of our weakness, and your enmity of our power. Melians. Is that your subjects' idea of equity, to put those who have nothing to do with you in the same category with peoples that are most of them your own colonists, and some conquered rebels? Athenians. As far as right goes they think one has as much of it as the other, and that if any maintain their independence it is because they are strong, and that if we do not molest them it is because we are afraid; so that besides extending our empire we should gain in security by your subjection; the fact that you are islanders and weaker than others rendering it all the more important that you should not succeed in baffling the masters of the sea. See, Athens refused to allow Melos to remain neutral because they believed that, if they allowed this small, weak nation to live independent of their might that they would soon find themselves overrun with rebellion as all others would see Athens let Melos go free and see Athens as weak, as if they somehow feared fighting Melos. So, pragmatically, it would be better for them to kill all the Melians to maintain their image as strong than it would be for them to simply leave Melos be. Despite their claim to democracy, Athens was very much of the opinion that might made right. The strong take what they can and the weak suffer as they must. This was, more or less the beginning of Just War theory, as it was one of the first time that justice, fairness, and rightness was discusses in the context of war. Just War Theory, by the way, is generally made up of three elements. Jus ad bellum, do you have just reasons for going to war? Jus in bello, is your conduct during war just? And a more modern addition, jus post bellum, is your conduct after the war is over also just? Melos, ultimately, refused to surrender to Athens and, indeed, tried to fight against their armies and ultimately failed. The siege lasted from summer of 416 until the winter and ended with Melos surrendering. Athens, in a very Genghis Khan esque move decided to kill every adult man on Melos and sell all of the women and children into slavery. This form of genocide where one particular gender is targeted is common in old world genocides. Very often it is the men, those who could join opposing militaries who would be targeted for the slaughter although Shaka Zulu was infamous for killing all the women and folding the men into his armed forces during his conquests. The genocide of Melos wasn't an attempt to wipe out an ethnicity, Melians being Dorian just like the Spartans. It WAS, however, intended to destroy the people of Melos, and it succeeded. The Peloponnesian War would continue until 404 BCE and would end with a Spartan victory, partially through aid gained from the Achaemenid Dynasty from Persia and some from Alcibiades of Athens, but the war isn't the important part and so we will ignore the final 12 years of it. That's it for this week. No new reviews, so let's jump right into the outro. Have a Day! w/ The History Wizard is brought to you by me, The History Wizard. If you want to see/hear more of me you can find me on Tiktok @thehistorywizard or on Instagram @the_history_wizard. Please remember to rate, review, and subscribe to Have a Day! On your pod catcher of choice. The more you do, the more people will be able to listen and learn along with you. Thank you  for sticking around until the end and, as always, Have a Day.    

“LACHES: I take courage to be a certain endurance present in one's character, if I have to mention the element essentially present in all cases.SOCRATES: Now, this is how it appears to me: by no means every kind of endurance, I think, can appear to you to be bravery. So endurance accompanied by wisdom would be both fine and good, wouldn't it?LACHES: Certainly.SOCRATES: But what of it when accompanied by foolishness? Surely it's quite the opposite, damaging and detrimental?LACHES: Yes.SOCRATES: So, according to your account, wise endurance will be bravery.LACHES: So it seems.SOCRATES: Let's see now: wise, but wise in what respect? Perhaps in every respect, great or small? Suppose, for instance, someone showed endurance in spending his money wisely, because he realized that if he spent it, he'd make a profit: would you call him brave?LACHES: Good heavens, I certainly wouldn't!SOCRATES: Well then, suppose during a war a man showed endurance by being prepared to fight: he has calculated his chances wisely and realized that others will support him, and that he'll be fighting an enemy outnumbered and outclassed by his own side, and that he has the stronger position – now, which would you say is the braver, the man showing endurance with the benefit of this kind of wisdom and these resources, or a man from the opposing camp willing to show endurance in standing against him?LACHES: I'd say the man in the opposing camp, Socrates.SOCRATES: But surely his endurance is more foolish than that of the other?LACHES: Yes, you're right.SOCRATES: Now, we've previously shown that without knowledge endurance and daring are disgraceful and damaging, haven't we?LACHES: Certainly.SOCRATES: But now we're claiming, on the contrary, that this disgraceful thing, endurance without knowledge, is bravery.LACHES: Apparently so.SOCRATES: Then do you think we've given a good account?LACHES: Good heavens, Socrates, I certainly don't. I'm not prepared to give up too soon, Socrates. I'm really annoyed because I can't find the words to say what I'm thinking – I'm sure I can see what Bravery is, but somehow or other she has escaped me for the moment, so I can't find the words to catch her and actually say what she is!SOCRATES: Then do you mind if we invite Nicias here to join the hunt? He may be more resourceful than we are.LACHES: Of course I don't mind.SOCRATES: Come on then, Nicias, your friends are floundering in a sea of words! We've got ourselves hopelessly confused, so you'd better give us some help, if there's anything you can do. The hopelessness of our predicament is obvious; but if you tell us what you think bravery is, you'll get us out of this hopeless state, and you'll also confirm your own thoughts by putting them into words.” (Laches, 192c-194c) Get full access to Figs in Winter: New Stoicism and Beyond at figsinwinter.substack.com/subscribe

“Lysimachus and Melesias have invited us to discuss their sons, because they're anxious for the boys' characters to develop in the best way possible. So, what we must do, if we claim we can, is to point out to them teachers who are known firstly to have been upstanding men in their own right and to have cared for many young men's characters, and secondly to have taught us also. …I'll be the first to explain my position, then, Lysimachus and Melesias, and I may say I've not had any instruction on the subject, although it's true that it has been a passionate interest of mine ever since I was a boy. But I've never been able to pay fees to the sophists – the only ones who professed to be able to make a good and honest man of me – and I can't discover the art for myself even now. …I have in consequence a request to make of you in return, Lysimachus. …I urge you not to let Laches or Nicias slip away, but to ask them some questions. Say to them, ‘Socrates says he doesn't understand this subject in the slightest and isn't competent to decide which of you is right: he hasn't been taught, or discovered for himself, anything about that kind of thing at all. And now you, Laches and Nicias, are each to tell us if you've met anyone who was highly skilled in bringing up the young, and whether you learnt what you know from someone else or discovered it for yourselves. If you learnt it, could you tell us who taught each of you, and who is in the same profession?” (Laches, 186a-186e) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit figsinwinter.substack.com/subscribe

Gylippos, bien que figure méconnue de l'Antiquité, est un homme qui vaut le détour. C'est avant tout un Spartiate, un général émérite qui servira sa ville au travers de nombreux dangers. Mais même les plus nobles coeurs peuvent céder face à l'attrait de l'or... Mes sources pour ce numéro : Vie de Nicias, Plutarque & Vie de Lysandre, Plutarque

In this Plato's dialogue, Socrates engages in a discussion with two prominent Athenians, Laches and Nicias, about the nature and definition of the virtue of courage. The dialogue centers around the question of what courage truly is and whether it can be taught.Support the showThank you for listening.You can contact us @: ericknga7@gmail.com

Psalm 26 Worksheet Psalm 26 is one of the Psalms of ______________________. David asks God to ______________________ him in this situation V. 1-2 David uses 4 imperative verbs to appeal for justice in verses 1-2. Leaders like David have so many people talking junk about them, rumors move faster than they could ever deal with them one on one. David didn't hire a press agent, he talked to the Lord about it. David says, “Since I trust in you, Lord, I don't need to be all __________________ about this!” David makes the case for his innocence and ____________________ behavior V. 3-8 There's our two words, Hesed and Emet, together again! If you think David is a little ‘judgy' here, remember that this was from David's prayer life as kind of a journal entry before it was a song to be sung. David isn't so much reminding God here as he is reminding _________________________ not to look for godless alternatives to faith during a difficult time. David says, “Instead of going to the wrong kind of places, I am going to the Tabernacle and offering a sacrifice and seeking God's face and being with people going there instead of sinful places!” I think many times we can say that about church – “This place will keep you from sin, but sin will also keep you from this place!” David makes clear he is staying on God's _______________________ V. 9-12 I love how David brings it back around to a hymn – “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back!” Good government consists in this – for a man to do to his country as much good as possible, or at least, to do it invariably no harm. -Nicias (414 BC) 1:54 Make sure your ___________________ is to bless the Lord even if your trials continue longer than you hoped they would!

LA BIBLIOTECA DE LA HISTORIA nos abre uno de sus archivos, que nos va a acercar a: "La Guerra Arquidámica y la Paz de Nicias". Hoy en "Las Arenas del Tiempo" retomamos la historia de Atenas de la mano Sergio Alejo Gómez, escritor, historiador y comandante o "strategos" de esta sección. Seguimos profundizando en la prolífica y casi inabarcable historia de Atenas. En esta decimotercera entrega conoceremos que ocurrió, dentro de las llamadas "Guerras del Peloponeso", los sucesos que tuvieron lugar de la Guerra Arquidámica a la Paz de Nicias. También veremos las consecuencias de la terrible Peste de Atenas. Sergio Alejo nos cuenta muchas curiosidades sobre estos remotos tiempos. Sin más preámbulos os dejo con el programa. Sergio Alejo es historiador, licenciado por la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, y especializado en el mundo antiguo concretamente en todo lo concerniente a las civilizaciones griega y romana. Ejerció durante un tiempo como docente de educación secundaria y en estos momentos su principal ocupación es la de escritor. Sergio es un autor muy prolífico y una muestra de ellos es que tiene publicados por el momento 11 libros. Cuatro de ellos forman parte de una tetralogía titulada Las Crónicas de Tito Valerio Nerva, en la que viviremos de primera mano las aventuras y desventuras de un veterano legionario romano en unos tiempos muy turbulentos para Roma. Además de esta apasionante tetralogía, tiene una trilogía de novelas que forman parte de la saga "Renovatio Imperii", cuyo primer libro se titula "Herederos de Roma", cuyo segundo volumen se titula "Águilas en África", y cuya tercera parte se titula "Roma Inmortal", novelas en las que viviremos de primera mano las aventuras de un soldado del Imperio Romano de Oriente. Y su última novela se titula "Deuda de Sangre", novela ambientada en las famosas Guerras Dacias de Trajano, una novela apasionante que está haciendo las delicias de los amantes de la historia de Roma. Por último, y por el momento, Sergio nos ha traído tres ensayos, uno de ellos es el libro titulado "¿Sabías qué? Curiosidades del mundo antiguo", otro ensayo de Sergio, y que es un libro hermano al nombrado anteriormente es el libro de mismo título, ¿Sabias qué?, pero cuyo subtítulo es "Un paseo por la antigua Roma", y es que en esta ocasión el libro se centra en diversos capítulos de la historia de Roma. Por último y para completar por el momento esta saga de ensayos ha publicado recientemente el libro "¿Sabías qué? Un paseo por la Antigua Grecia, donde nos desvela un puñado de los capítulos más importantes e interesantes de este periodo histórico. Además de esto Sergio es colaborador del podcast "La Biblioteca Perdida" con su sección "Por los Dioses". También es miembro del grupo "Divulgadores de la Historia" y además cómo tuvisteis ocasión de comprobar en el audio sobre recreación histórica, Sergio es recreador histórico en el grupo "Barcino Oriens". -Página Web de Sergio Alejo donde adquirir sus libros y leer sus artículos: www.sergioalejogomez.com -Libros de Sergio Alejo en amazon: https://www.amazon.es/Sergio-Alejo-G%C3%B3mez/e/B07S9H1P7J/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1 -Canal de YouTube Sergio Alejo: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuQWXhi5MLoxFlrCKgBuE1Q -Sergio ha comentado y recomendado los libros del compañero de Divilgadores de la Historia Juan Luis Gomar Hoyos sobre los enfrentamientos de la isla de Esfacteria, aquí os dejo el enlace: https://www.amazon.es/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AJuan+Luis+Gomar+Hoyos&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1 Este es un Podcast producido y dirigido por Gerión de Contestania, miembro del grupo "Divulgadores de la Historia". Somos un podcast perteneciente al sello iVoox Originals. Canal de YouTube de LA BIBLIOTECA DE LA HISTORIA: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfHTOD0Z_yC-McS71OhfHIA *Si te ha gustado el programa dale al "Like", ya que con esto ayudarás a darnos más visibilidad. También puedes dejar tu comentario, decirnos en que hemos fallado o errado y también puedes sugerir un tema para que sea tratado en un futuro programa de LA BIBLIOTECA DE LA HISTORIA. Gracias. Música del audio: -Entrada: Truce No More by Johannes Bornlöf. License by Epidemic Sound. -Voz entrada: http://www.locutordigital.es/ -Voz inicial "Las Arenas del Tiempo": Dani Domínguez del podcast Relatos Salvajes. -Relato: Music with License by Epidemic Sound. Imagen del audio: Dibujo que representa la terrible "Peste de Atenas". (Montaje de Javi Rando). Redes Sociales: -Twitter: LABIBLIOTECADE3 -Facebook: Gerión De Contestania Muchísimas gracias por escuchar LA BIBLIOTECA DE LA HISTORIA y hasta la semana que viene. Podcast amigos: La Biblioteca Perdida: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-podcast-la-biblioteca-perdida_sq_f171036_1.html Cliophilos: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-cliophilos-paseo-historia_sq_f1487551_1.html Niebla de Guerra: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-niebla-guerra_sq_f1608912_1.html Casus Belli: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-casus-belli-podcast_sq_f1391278_1.html Victoria Podcast: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-victoria-podcast_sq_f1781831_1.html BELLUMARTIS: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-bellumartis-podcast_sq_f1618669_1.html Relatos Salvajes: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-relatos-salvajes_sq_f1470115_1.html Motor y al Aire: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-motor-al-aire_sq_f1117313_1.html Pasaporte Historia: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-pasaporte-historia_sq_f1835476_1.html Cita con Rama Podcast: https://www.ivoox.com/cita-rama-podcast-ciencia-ficcion_sq_f11043138_1.html Sierra Delta: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-sierra-delta_sq_f1507669_1.html Permiso para Clave: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-permiso-para-clave_sq_f1909797_1.html Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

En librairie le 3 mars 2023 et sur https://www.lesbelleslettres.com/livre/9782251453101/la-paix-de-nicias-et-l-expedition-de-sicile Pourquoi la paix de Nicias n'a-t-elle pas réussie à réconcilier Athènes et Sparte ? Donald Kagan examine les années qui se sont écoulées entre la signature du traité de paix et la destruction de l'expédition athénienne en Sicile en 413 avant J. C. Le personnage principal du récit est l'homme politique et général athénien Nicias. Ses choix ont façonné le traité de paix et ses stratégies militaires ont joué un rôle majeur dans l'attaque contre la Sicile.

Cuando Pericles murió, la guerra del Peloponeso llevaba ya en curso más de tres años, pero no estaba en absoluto cerca de su final. Como los atenienses sentían que necesitaban un líder, eligieron a Nicias para tomar el relevo de Pericles.Este Nicias era un hombre honrado, pero desafortunadamente era bastante soso e indeciso. Cada vez que se le convocaba para asuntos de Estado, dudaba tanto que los griegos a menudo lamentaban la pérdida de Pericles.

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After suffering a disastrous setback in Sicily the situation once again looks grim for Athens.  The Athenians would continue the fight however and the story of the Peloponnesian War would see a number of surprising twists - with Alcibiades playing a key role in each new turning point in the conflict.Thanks for listeningChris & RyanSupport the show

In Part 2 of the Lives of Alcibiades and Nicias, these two polar opposites clash over Athenian foreign policy.  With Sparta still a looming threat, Athenians must choose whether to listen to the ambitious Alcibiades or cautious Nicias.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=RLVZ3VNNPSRAL)

For this episode it's going to be another two-for-one special as we will be covering two lives at once, and we will be picking up basically right where we left off.  To jog everyone's memories, when we last left Athens the city had just been dealt a devastating blow in it's war with Sparta.  Athens's lead citizen Pericles had convinced the Athenians to avoid a decisive land battle with the Spartans which would play to the Spartan's strengths, and instead stay behind their city walls and use their large navy to their advantage.However a plague spread within the heavily populated city and claimed the life of Pericles.  The war was not over but the city would need to find new leaders.In this episode, we will take on the lives of two Athenians who would step into the void left behind by Pericles:  these would be Alcibiades and Nicias. Support the show

Alcibiades fought and strategized for Athens, Sparta, Persia, Athens (again), and Thrace, proving that he fought the entire time only for himself. Was it vanity or pride? Enjoy the first truly negative portrayal Plutarch tries to give, though Plutarch in all his humanity can still defend Alcibiades from his most malicious detractors. Parallel: CoriolanusImportant PeopleSpartans:Agis II - Spartan King at the time Alcibiades defects to the Spartans. Alcibiades advises Agis to occupy Deceleia, preventing the Athenians from accessing their farms for the remainder of the war. Timaea - Spartan QueenLeotychides - son of Timaea and Alcibiades, disinherited from the throne.Lysander - Wily Spartan naval commander who finally manages to defeat the Athenians decisively at sea. He then besieges Athens and sets up a government of thirty tyrannical oligarchs backed up by a Spartan bodyguard. Alcibiades wisely never engages directly with Lysander, though one of his lietuenant does in Alcibiades's absence. Persians:Pharnabazus - One of two powerful Persian satraps in Western Asia Minor with which Alcibiades fights once while trying to keep access to the Black Sea open for Athens. The second time they meet, Alcibiades has abandoned Athens for the last time and seeks to become what Themistocles was, a resident and advisor of the Persian Empire. Tissaphernes - A scheming satrap with a great deal in common with Alcibiades. He does and says what he needs to to get his own way. We'll see him again in the Life of Agesilaus.Cyrus - Younger son of the Persian King Darius II, Cyrus comes out to Asia Minor to deal with squabbling satraps and to crush Athens for good. He allies himself with Lysander and funds the navy that ultimately destroys Athens. Athenians:Nicias - Alcibiades's main political rival in Athens, famous for his superstition and his vacillation, Alcibiades's confidence and charisma attract a much larger following. Antiochus - A vice-commander left in charge while Alcibiades away. He ignore Alc's direct command. notto engage with Lysander and in the ensuing battle loses and dies. Important PlacesDeceleia (23.2) - A mountain citadel of Attica, about 14 miles from Athens towards Boeotia, commanding the Athenian plain and the shortest routes to Euboea and Boeotia, occupied by the Spartans in 413 B.C. at Alcibiades's advice!Samos (25) - Island in the east-central Aegean originally conquered by Pericles but serving as a strategic base for the Athenian navy during the Peloponnesian Wars. When an oligarchic revolution occurs in Athens, Samos becomes the base-in-exile of the democratic faction, which Alcibiades leads triumphantly home. Support the show (https://patreon.com/grammaticus)

Nicias helps us understand why losers are still worth studying. Like Cassandra, he prophesied for the Athenian people that they could not defeat Syracuse and then when selected as a leader for the expedition, he comes quite close to overturning his own prophecy. See the full show notes here.Parallel: CrassusImportant PeopleCleon - The first demagogue to exert influence after Pericles's death, he prosecuted the war against Sparta fairly succesfully, though at much greater loss of life than Pericles had, only to die about 10 years after the war had begun in a battle to regain a former Athenian conquest: Amphipolis. Alcibiades - Brazen and unpredictable, this student of Socrates will get his fair treatment in the life right after this one. He makes an appearance here as a pro-war demagogue, talented general, and traitor to the Athenians. Lamachus - One of the original three generals sent to Syracuse. He dies in a duel he initiated against a Syracusan commander. Demosthenes - Not the orator of a couple generations later. A talented general during the Peloponnesian War that is sent to replace Alcibiades and Lamachus and bring fresh perspective and troops. Gylippus - The Spartan general hired by the Syracusans to lead their troops and defeat Athens. With the help of the Corinthian naval commander Gongylus, he succeeds.Important PlacesDelos - An island in the middle of the Aegean Sea, sacred to Apollo, on which Nicias funds an elaborate choral festival. It used to be the site of the taxes collected for the Delian League, but under Pericles this money had been moved to Athens. Many historians take this move to signal the death of the League and the beginning of the Athenian Empire. Syracuse - Largest and wealthiest polis on the island of Sicily, Syracuse had made enough enemies who sought the help of Athens in freeing them from Syracuse's oversight. Egesta (Segesta) and Leontini - The smaller Sicilian poleis that ask Athens for help against Syracuse.Plemmyrium (see map below) - The strategic promontory which Nicias controls for much of the battle against Syracuse. Control of this promontory allows him access to his supply lines back in Athens by means of the sea. When he loses access to this, his situation grows dire rather quickly as retreat is almost entirely cut off. Epipolae (see map below) - A triangular plateau rising above the city of Syracuse allowing a view inside the city. Since it is surrounded on all sides by cliffs, it's also an easily defensible position. While Nicias captures this strategically important landmass, he also uses its position to oversee the siege of Syracuse as he orders his soldier to build a wall around the entire polis, about the same size, according to Plutarch, as the wall around Athens. Thapsus - Nicias's chosen landing point, about 5 miles north of Syracuse (not on the map below). Fun fact: it happens to be the archaeological site in which archaeologists have found the oldest signs of an inhabited town on the island of Sicily. 

“Lives” is a series of biographies of famous Greeks and Romans by the ancient Greek historian Plutarch who lived during the first and second century AD. The work consists of twenty-three paired biographies, one Greek and one Roman, and four unpaired, which explore the influence of character on the lives and destinies of important persons of Ancient Greece and Rome. Rather than providing strictly historical accounts, Plutarch was most concerned with capturing his subjects common moral virtues and failings. This volume includes the complete “Lives” in which you will find the biographies of the following persons: Theseus, Romulus, Lycurgus, Numa Pompilius, Solon, Poplicola, Themistocles, Camillus, Pericles, Fabius, Alcibiades, Coriolanus, Timoleon, Æmilius Paulus, Pelopidas, Marcellus, Aristides, Marcus Cato, Philopœmen, Flamininus, Pyrrhus, Caius Marius, Lysander, Sylla, Cimon, Lucullus, Nicias, Crassus, Sertorius, Eumenes, Agesilaus, Pompey, Alexander, Cæsar, Phocion, Cato the younger, Agis, Cleomenes, Tiberius Gracchus, Caius Gracchus, Demosthenes, Cicero, Demetrius, Antony, Dion, Marcus Brutus, Aratus, Artaxerxes, Galba, and Otho. Plutarch's “Lives” remains today as one of the most important historical accounts of the classical period. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

Tras la batalla de Esfacteria, Atenas y Esparta firman la Paz de Niceas sin el apoyo de parte de sus aliados por lo que la Guerra no se hizo esperar. Mientras tanto los atenienses se embarcan en la Expedición de Sicilia en búsqueda de riquezas y gloria mientras que Esparta se prepara para la nueva fase del largo conflicto, la Guerra Jónica o Decélica. Gracias a Juan Luis Gomar Hoyos autor de las novelas, “La isla de las sombras. La batalla de Esfacteria” y “El llanto inconsolable de los cuervos” basadas en esta época, conoceremos en este capítulo los primeros ocho años de la guerra. Os contaremos invasiones por tierra del Ática, combates navales, revueltas de aliados de ambos bandos y como la peste asoló Atenas. SIN MÁS OS DEJO CON LA HISTORIA Os invito conocer las novelas de Juan Luis en https://amzn.to/30QYSSX Puedes escuchar la Primera Parte en https://www.ivoox.com/42706314 y la Segunda Parte en https://www.ivoox.com/43808309 Créditos Musicales: - Greek paean / Peán griego / - Ancient Greek Music - Delphic Paean No olvidéis suscribiros al canal, si aún no lo habéis hecho. Si queréis ayudarnos, dadle a “me gusta” (el corazón a la derecha de Ivoox) y también dejadnos comentarios. De esta forma ayudaréis a que los programas sean conocidos por más gente. Y compartidnos con vuestros amigos y conocidos. SIGUENOS EN TODAS LAS REDES SOCIALES ¿Queréis contactar con nosotros? Puedes escribirnos a bellumartishistoriamilitar@gmail.com Nuestra página principal es: https://bellumartishstoriamilitar.blogspot.com

Among the many personages associated with the Peloponnesian War, none are as colorful as the Athenian general Alcibiades. In Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens (Harvard University Press, 2018), David Stuttard recounts the dramatic life of this controversial figure. A scion of a wealthy family, Alcibiades was adopted by the statesman Pericles after his father died in battle. Growing up he demonstrated a flair for the dramatic, which in combination with his fortune made him a prominent figure at a young age. Yet Alcibiades desired more, and sabotaged the peace agreement with the Spartans orchestrated by Nicias in an effort to prolong the war so as to gain new opportunities for glory. The Sicilian Expedition presented him with just such an opportunity, though controversial actions attributed to Alcibiades and his friends undermined his standing. Faced with mounting opposition, Alcibiades defected, first to Sparta, then to Persia before being recalled and reinstated as an Athenian general. Though Alcibiades subsequently led the Athenians to victory in battle, he fled his home city again after his defeat at Notium, only to be assassinated at Phrygia in the final year of the war.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Among the many personages associated with the Peloponnesian War, none are as colorful as the Athenian general Alcibiades. In Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens (Harvard University Press, 2018), David Stuttard recounts the dramatic life of this controversial figure. A scion of a wealthy family, Alcibiades was adopted by the statesman Pericles after his father died in battle. Growing up he demonstrated a flair for the dramatic, which in combination with his fortune made him a prominent figure at a young age. Yet Alcibiades desired more, and sabotaged the peace agreement with the Spartans orchestrated by Nicias in an effort to prolong the war so as to gain new opportunities for glory. The Sicilian Expedition presented him with just such an opportunity, though controversial actions attributed to Alcibiades and his friends undermined his standing. Faced with mounting opposition, Alcibiades defected, first to Sparta, then to Persia before being recalled and reinstated as an Athenian general. Though Alcibiades subsequently led the Athenians to victory in battle, he fled his home city again after his defeat at Notium, only to be assassinated at Phrygia in the final year of the war.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Among the many personages associated with the Peloponnesian War, none are as colorful as the Athenian general Alcibiades. In Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens (Harvard University Press, 2018), David Stuttard recounts the dramatic life of this controversial figure. A scion of a wealthy family, Alcibiades was adopted by the statesman Pericles after his father died in battle. Growing up he demonstrated a flair for the dramatic, which in combination with his fortune made him a prominent figure at a young age. Yet Alcibiades desired more, and sabotaged the peace agreement with the Spartans orchestrated by Nicias in an effort to prolong the war so as to gain new opportunities for glory. The Sicilian Expedition presented him with just such an opportunity, though controversial actions attributed to Alcibiades and his friends undermined his standing. Faced with mounting opposition, Alcibiades defected, first to Sparta, then to Persia before being recalled and reinstated as an Athenian general. Though Alcibiades subsequently led the Athenians to victory in battle, he fled his home city again after his defeat at Notium, only to be assassinated at Phrygia in the final year of the war.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Among the many personages associated with the Peloponnesian War, none are as colorful as the Athenian general Alcibiades. In Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens (Harvard University Press, 2018), David Stuttard recounts the dramatic life of this controversial figure. A scion of a wealthy family, Alcibiades was adopted by the statesman Pericles after his father died in battle. Growing up he demonstrated a flair for the dramatic, which in combination with his fortune made him a prominent figure at a young age. Yet Alcibiades desired more, and sabotaged the peace agreement with the Spartans orchestrated by Nicias in an effort to prolong the war so as to gain new opportunities for glory. The Sicilian Expedition presented him with just such an opportunity, though controversial actions attributed to Alcibiades and his friends undermined his standing. Faced with mounting opposition, Alcibiades defected, first to Sparta, then to Persia before being recalled and reinstated as an Athenian general. Though Alcibiades subsequently led the Athenians to victory in battle, he fled his home city again after his defeat at Notium, only to be assassinated at Phrygia in the final year of the war.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To what extent does Thucydides alter and tweak his account of the Athenian disaster? In this episode I look at some of the arguments which suggest Thucydides amended and changed his account to align with his views through subtle and none-too-subtle techniques. I also point out why Nicias would be an ideal guest at a poker night. Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)  

Nicias and Alcibiades have both gained political power but can’t push past the other. The gridlock is broken when representatives from a Sicilian town show up asking for help and offering to foot the bill for Athenian assistance. In a rapid escalation, the Athenians agree not only to help but to send an armada to Sicily to bring down Syracuse. One step at a time the Athenians throw everything they have into the Sicilian expedition. This episode covers approximately 416 B.C – 413 B.C.

Nicias and Alcibiades struggle for control of Athens after a power vacuum appears. The back and forth leads to an Athens that pursues no grand strategy but plays a game of rapid, hectic tactics. All of Greece is swept up in political pinball as the traditional allies of Sparta reconsider their place in Greece and Sparta struggles to reclaim its political standing. As the stakes rise, Athens rebrands its role as the head of its empire and does whatever is necessary to keep control. This episode covers approximately 421 B.C. – 415 B.C.

In Episode 6 of Naval History Podcast, we continue our multi-part examination of the Peloponnesian War with Athens's ill-fated Sicilian Expedition of 415-13 BC, in which the Athenians send a massive expeditionary force to attack and possibly conquer the island of Sicily. During this epic struggle between the Athenians, the Syracusans, and their respective allies. We also meet such characters as the overly cautious and indecisive Athenian general Nicias; his fellow general Alcibiades, one of the first psychopaths known to history; and the daring Spartan commander Gylippus. The disaster that befell the Sicilian Expedition was perhaps the beginning of the downfall of the Athenian empire and set the stage for the final horrific phase of the Peloponnesian War.

In Episode 5 of Naval History Podcast, we begin our multi-part examination of the Peloponnesian War, fought from 431 to 404 BC. This part covers the nature and causes of the war, beginning in the final years of the Greco-Persian War, as well as the opening phase of the Peloponnesian War itself (the Archidamian War of 431-421 BC), concluding with the Peace of Nicias in 421 BC.  

An Italian Thais that features the great voice of Ettore Bastianini. Thais is sung by Fiorella Carmen Forti, and the Nicias is Glauco Scarlini. This is from Trieste, 1954, under Luigi Toffolo  (71 min.)

The Peloponnesian War was fought by Athens and Sparta in the late 5th century BC.  It was an epic war between two superpowers, and the similarities to the Cold War are numerous.  Since most people know about the Cold War, since it was so recent, I will summarize this episode via comparisons between it and the Peloponnesian War. This first episode covers the beginning through the Amphipolis Campaign/Cuban Missile Crisis. The Participants: Athens/United States: wealthy, democratic, powerful navy, supported by numerous smaller states (Delian League/NATO)Initially led by Pericles/FDR: rulers during the expansion of their respective nations' geopolitical status Sparta/USSR: communist, totalitarian, powerful army, supported by numerous smaller states (Peloponnesian League/Warsaw Pact)Initially led by Archidamus II/Stalin: rulers during the expansion of their respective nations' geopolitical status Thebes/China: Weaker third power allied with Sparta/USSR Timeline: Persian Wars/WWII: Sparta/USSR and Athens/USA were originally allied in the fight against Persia/AxisPentecontaetia/Berlin Blockade: Sparta/USSR and Athens/USA skirmish briefly over intermediate territory (Corinthian Isthmus/Germany)Archidamian War/Korean War: Sparta/USSR engages in a land war with Athens/USA over intermediate territory (Corinthian Isthmus/Germany).  Results in a stalemate.Pylos Campaign/Suez Crisis: Athens/USA intervenes in territory close to Sparta/USSR in order to gain an economic and political advantage.  Amphipolis Campaign/Cuban Missile Crisis: Sparta/USSR sneaks into the Athens/USA sphere of influence and creates an outpost.Aegean Sea Propaganda Campaigns/Third World War: Sparta/USSR provides support to revolutions in Athens/USA's sphere of influence. Sicilian Expedition/Vietnam War: Athens/USA attempts to contain Sparta/USSR's sphere of influence and fails miserably (loses lives and money). Where the analogy fails: Sparta launches a successful, massive land invasion against Athens (Problem: USSR never fought USA over Europe).  Decisive victory at the Battle of Mantinea Sparta destroys the entire Athenian Navy at the Battle of Aegospotami (Problem: USSR never defeated the American Navy decisively)Athens surrendered to Sparta (Problem: The US won the Cold War) So, the analogy isn't perfect, but it is still accurate in most respects.  After the Peloponnesian War, Thebes (the former third power) swept down and became the new superpower (over both Sparta and Athens), just like China seems to be becoming now (over the US). For more information, read: History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General